State Rep. Mark Warden, R-Manchester, suggested that some people like being in abusive relationships during a hearing on a bill that could affect domestic violence laws in New Hampshire.

"Some people could make the argument that a lot of people like being in abusive relationships," he said. "It's a love-hate relationship."

The comments were caught on tape by liberal group Granite State Progress, one of the groups that has since demanded an apology. Some victims' advocates said they want more than that.

"What I'd like to see is for him to become more informed," said Katie Shelzel of the Manchester YWCA.

Shelzel oversees programs such as crisis services for the YWCA. She called Warden's comments wrong.

"We are really saddened that this is an elected official to make such a bold statement," she said. "The fact is nobody wants to be abused in a relationship, and to say otherwise is pure ignorance."

Warden couldn't be reached at home Wednesday or by phone. But he posted a message on Facebook Wednesday afternoon.

"It was never my intention to minimize the trauma of domestic abuse or in any way demean the victims," he wrote. "I find violence abhorrent. How the state gets involved in people's personal lives is a topic that requires thoughtful debate and should not be reduced to sound bites. To those whom may have been offended, I offer my sincere apology."